A Quick Guide To Buying A Leather Jacket

Gentleman's Division

Buying a real leather jacket is quite an investment, as they tend to be a high ticket item that could well last you a lifetime and beyond. Finding the perfect leather jacket may feel a little bit overwhelming, so we thought we’d put together a quick guide to make it a little easier for you.

You get what you pay for

We all like to save a bit of cash, but when it comes to real leather and craftsmanship you will generally need to pay a little bit more if you want high quality. It truly is worth shelling out the extra for higher quality leather, smoother zips, and better stitching as it will last you far longer,we spoke to Lakeland Leather, experts with decades of experience who told us “if you are looking for a jacket that will last you a lifetime, you’ll want to consider looking for a jacket with a higher price tag. For the most part, the price is equal to the quality, and while you may occasionally pay for a brand where the name is more expensive than the quality, this is fairly rare with leather.

If you’re just looking for a jacket for one season, then looking at jackets in a lower price range may be suitable for you, but just be realistic with your expectations of quality.”

Keep an eye out for topstitching

Topstitchingis a decorative stitching detail which is often found on the edges of seams and pockets on items of clothing to add visual appeal and is highly coveted in the leather jacket world.

If you come across a jacket where the topstitching is done with a thick thread made by Güttermann, then the jacket is most likely a high-end item, while a jacket with thin topstitching or none at all is more likely to be a lower end product.

Make sure it suits you

For something that is as big of an investment as a leather jacket, you’ll want to make sure you get it just right, especially as it is likely to last you a long time, and possibly cost you a fair bit.

Opting for a safe and timeless style such as a bomber or a biker jacket that tend to stay fashionable throughout the years is a good idea if you’re not sure what to go for, and trying on a few different jackets before you make your final decision is always a good idea. Make sure that it is both comfortable and makes you feel good about yourself.

Check what care it will require

Any leather product needs ongoing care to keep it in tip-top condition and make sure it has a long life, and a leather jacket is no different. Before you make your purchase, make sure you know the level of maintenance you’ll need to commit to for your new investment piece.

Check the manufacturer’s care label before you buy your new jacket, and brush up on your leather care best practices, which you can learn more about in this guide